Ten Years After the Boston Marathon Bombing: An Epilogue

Ten years ago, JD Hale, Yankee Publishing vice president and the great-nephew of Yankee’s founder, Robb Sagendorph, was working as a BAA volunteer at the Boston Marathon’s finish line, when suddenly there was an explosion. He wrote about what he experienced then. Now on the tenth anniversary of that terrible day, which saw the best of humanity react to the worst, he reflects on the aftermath.

“We all reacted and together pulled for common good. And I am proud of that.”

~JD Hale

I think like many things in life… a lot of people know we were there. Occasionally, people will ask me directly—and I am happy to share a few things about it. I always go to a part of the experience that didn’t happen until about two weeks after the Marathon. The news coverage after that day—combined with being there—really had an impact on me.

When the BAA offered group therapy for those who wanted it—I didn’t hesitate. I am someone who gains strength from others.  It was held at the Westin Copley, in their big ballroom. I was taken back a bit when I walked in. 

I had debated on how to dress for the session.  Should I “show my stripes” (and wear my BAA bright yellow jacket as a volunteer) or just go plain clothes? I chose to wear my jacket, as I wanted others to know my role. I made the right decision: Most everyone there (more than 300 people) wore their BAA or other roles outfits as well.

The white BAA jackets were the residents and nurses who volunteered from the area hospitals (we had been stationed right in front of the Medical Tent/VIP area during the race). The Blue were the officials. And the police were in uniform, mostly—and fire in casual clothing. And to my surprise, we had first responders—mostly police. Male and female.

We had a moderator/psychologist who was just spectacular. She had us “open up” and share our stories as she walked up and down the center aisle, making us all feel safe—a needed feeling—and encouraging us to share. It is not easy to see and hear a police person in full uniform tell their story. It was really intense. I left there in a better place and inspired by these stories.

When I left the Westin, I was totally drained but also felt stronger. I thought it was important to return to the finish area where we had been giving out the blankets to the weary runners, less than two weeks earlier. I went right to where we were when the first bomb went off. There was a make-shift memorial made up of runners’ shoes and flowers all piled up and swinging in the wind. A lot of people were there—heads bowed, saying a prayer for victims (Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, and eight-year-old Martin Richard, who was eating his ice-cream cone at that moment) and others, too, I am sure. It was quiet.

I feel these rings of a tree that the race embodies. Each ring is another year of this race—127^th this year in 2023—that brings so many people together.  We are celebrating human achievement on Marathon Day. It feels like victory is all around us. Even that day, 10 years ago, I felt it—not right away—but after our day was done. We did it together. BostonStrong for sure, and beyond as well. 

Today, I know so much more of the full story. And I know of many acts of kindness and heroism that far surpassed ours—but I do know we all reacted and together pulled for common good. And I am proud of that.

As I write this, we are about to head in to Copley Plaza, where we will enjoy the Fan Fest, the Expo, and just this sea of people connecting around this race that draws audiences and fans from around the world. Right here in our New England epicenter—Boston.

SEE MORE:

Boston Marathon Bombing: A Personal Account of Being at the Finish Line
Boston Marathon Bombing: The Memories We Choose
Boston Fun Beyond the Marathon: Our Insider’s Travel Guide